PERFORMANCE OF AN OSCILLATING SUBSOILER IN BREAKIN HARD PAN

Field experiments were conducted to determine the optimum combination of performance parameters of a single-shank, tractor-mounted oscillating subsoiler. Tests were conducted at frequencies of oscillation of 3.7 , 5.67, 7.58, 9.48 and 11.456Hz ; amplitudes of 18, 21, 23.5, 34 and 36.5 mm ; and forward speeds of 1.84, 2.19 and 3.42 kmph at moisture content close to the plastic limit of the soil. It was observed that there was a reduction in average draft but an a increase in average total power requirement for oscillating than non-oscillating subsoiling. The draft and power ratios were significantly affected by the forward speed, frequency and amplitude. Their combined interaction expressed in terms of the velocity ratio parameter( the ratio of peak tool velocity and forward speed) however has the strongest influence. At the same velocity ratio, the draft reduction and power increase were less at higher amplitude of oscillation . As the oscillating frequency is increased toward the soil resonance the draft requirement becomes less. For the field conditions tested. the optimum operation was obtained at an amplitude of 36.5mm, frequency of 9.48Hz and speed of 2.19 kmph with a draft ratio of 0.33 and a power ratio of only 1.24.